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When non-Masons think of Masonry, they generally are thinking of what we call "Blue Lodge Masonry", which is that part of Masonry that addresses the first three steps, or "Degrees", of a man's Masonic journey. Once a man has completed those first three Degrees and become a Master Mason, he is the equal of every other Mason in the world. The status of Master Mason is the pinnacle of one's journey. However, there are a number of "appendant bodies", or Masonic "spin-off" organizations that focus more on elements of Freemasonry not addressed in Blue Lodge Masonry, and others that are designed for those not eligible for regular membership, such as women or younger people. The purpose of these "appendant bodies" is to provide opportunities for Masons to more fully their develop their Masonic education, and for others to enjoy the fraternal relationships that Freemasonry offers in different ways.

Here are some of the major appendant bodies that meet in our area:

Shriners

Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. With approximately 310,000 members in 194 temples (chapters) in the United States, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and the Republic of Panama our fraternity is open to men of integrity from all walks of life.Each Shrine Temple is made up of different units and clubs depending on the interests of the Nobles, ranging from parading units to social groups.

Shriners International also supports Shriners Hospitals for Children®, a health system of 22 hospitals dedicated to providing pediatric medical care, world-class research and educational opportunities for medical professionals.

Mokanna is the closest lodge to the Shrine in our area, which is the Bahia Shrine.Many members of Mokanna are very active in the Shrine.The Shine stated meetings is the 1st Thursday of every month.

Scottish Rite

The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason’s education of the first three degrees. It is the mission of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family and country. The Scottish Rite consists of the 4°–32° and an honorary 33°, which is awarded for exceptional service.

Their charity is the Scottish Rite Foundation of FL, which supports the 14 Childhood Speech and Language Disorder Clinics in the State of Florida.

Mokanna is under the Orlando Valley of the Scottish Rite, which meets at the Masonic Center located in Winter Park.They put on degrees 2 times a year, and meet the 4th Friday of every month.

York Rite

York Rite Masonry, which takes its name from the old English city of York, dates back 1744 in the U.K., has been described as the oldest and purest of the Rites. Like other forms of Masonry, the York Rite is not a religion. Nevertheless, it does develop Biblical themes in addition to themes based on the Medieval Crusades. In the York Rite, A Master Mason may become a member of three bodies — actually a group of separate Rites joined in order. These include: a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; a Council of Royal and Select Masters; a Commandery of Knights Templar.

The various Rites of York Rite support a variety of charites, including the oyal Arch Research Assistance Fund (autism), General Grand Council Benevolent (Arteriosclerosis), and the Knight Templar Eye Foundation Fund

The Various Chapters of York Rite in our area typically meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Eola Lodge.

Grotto

The Order of Veiled Prophets, while proclaiming the loyalty of its members to Masonry, makes no pretense of being a Masonic Order, nor does it claim to confer a Masonic degree. Its membership is exclusively Masonic and its purpose is to supply the element of play such a way that work and play will be blended without marring the solid beauty of Masonry. The Grotto is said to be essentially Masonic in character.

The M.O.V.P.R. Grottos sponsor Dental Treatments to mentally disabled children. These children often require special equipment which is very expensive.

The Ormazd Grotto has a hall in Orlando located in College Park.

Widow’s Sons

The Widows Sons are an independent group of international Master Masons who ride motorcycles and have organized to perform the laudable undertaking of aiding and assisting the Widows and Orphans of Master Masons, to promote Freemasonry in the world of motorcycling, to promote motorcycling in the World of Freemasonry, and to support the charities of the Widows Sons International Motorcycle Riders Association.

The Widow’s Sons meet the first Sunday of every month at the Bahia Shrine.

Order of the Eastern Star

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are over 500,000 members under the General Grand Chapter

Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other.

The Order of Eastern Star in Florida strongly supports the Masonic Home. In addition, they also support other Masonic Charities.

There are various Eastern Star chapters that meet within our District.

Order of the Amaranth

The Order of the Amaranth is a fraternal organization composed of Master Masons and their properly qualified female relatives. In its teachings, the members are emphatically reminded of their duties to God, to their country and to their fellow beings. They are urged to portray, by precept and example, their belief in the “Golden Rule” and by conforming to the virtues inherent in TRUTH, FAITH, WISDOM and CHARITY they can prove to others the goodness promulgated by the Order.

The extent of its Charitable Work and overall Benevolence is limited only by the opportunities that exist, and the ability to secure adequate funding. Its Philanthropic project is the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation. The flag of the appropriate country is prominently displayed at all meetings creating a strong sentiment of patriotism and devotion to the respective land that we love.

Heritage Court #57 meets at Mokanna the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Dinner is at 6, meeting at 7:30.